WASHINGTON — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi today presented the 20 millionth therapeutic arts and crafts kit from the Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) organization to a hospitalized veteran at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in San Diego.
“It’s a real pleasure for me, not only to present the 20 millionth craft kit to one of our veterans, but also to recognize Help Hospitalized Veterans and its founder Roger Chapin, for their support to our nation’s veterans,” Principi said. “It’s clear evidence of the difference one person can make.”
The kits were the brainchild of Chapin, who often visited Vietnam veterans at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. When Chapin asked what he could do for them, the frequent response was, “Give me something to do with my hands.”
As a result, Chapin founded Help Hospitalized Veterans in 1971 and after discussions with physicians, nurses and therapists introduced the arts and crafts kit, which increases self-esteem, improves motor skills, promotes independence and facilitates social interaction.
In June 1975, Bob Hope presented the one millionth kit to Navy veteran Eugene Gardner at the Balboa Naval Hospital.
Initially focused on the nationwide network of VA hospitals, the non-profit HHV now delivers kits to over 300 facilities worldwide, including state veterans nursing homes and active-duty military hospitals.
More information about Help Hospitalized Veterans is available at www.hhv.org.
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